The week in pictures

BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK- Palestinians in full Christmas mode

VAN, TURKEY- It’s still got its precious lives!

TUNIS, TUNISIA- Celebrations in the Tunisian capital honouring the Prophet’s birth date

TRIPOLI, LEBANON- Tourist festival kicks off in Tripoli featuring village festivals, amusement parks, exhibitions and musical performances

CAIRO, EGYPT- Sufi Muslims chant prayers while celebrating the birth date of the Prophet Muhammad

KHAN YUNIS, GAZA- Dutch artist Marjan Teeuwen’s installation art is seen at a building which was ruined during the Israeli attacks on Gaza in 2014

ISTANBUL, TURKEY- Whirling dervishes perform during the “Seb-i Arus” (The Night of union) ceremony at Galata lodge used by mevlevi dervishes to mark the 743rd anniversary of the death of Mevlana Jalaluddin al-Rumi

GAZA CITY, GAZA- Flying in the wind

ANKARA, TURKEY- Snowed under in a blanket of white